7 benefits to eating chocolate

Luckily, the South-West is home to several first-class chocolatiers, including Gabriel Chocolate in Yallingup, and Temper Temper, Bahen & Co and the
Margaret River Chocolate Company in Margaret River, with all carrying healthy ranges that are guilt-free and taste amazing.

Roz Koeppen of Temper Temper said research shows ultra-dark chocolate is an excellent source of magnesium, iron, zinc, chromium and selenium and contains high levels of antioxidants like that found in red wine and green tea.

Among its selection of delicious chocolates, Temper Temper has created a Dark Horse 99% range that is entirely dairy-free, sugar free, emulsifier free and preservative free.

Temper Temper

“When looking for premium chocolate, the less ingredients the better,” Roz said. “Dark Horse is our endeavour to bring a genuinely pure and healthy chocolate to the market.”

Bahen & Co said in making its chocolate, it uses only cocoa and organic cane sugar. Its 70% cacao range includes such varieties as Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Almond Sea Salt and Madagascar.

“The honest goodness of each bar created speaks of its origins and is surprisingly sweet and fruity for their 70% cocoa content,” the company said.

Bahen & Co

Of course, like most foods, it’s best to eat chocolate in moderation, but in case you need any more convincing, here are seven health benefits to eating chocolate.

1.     It’s nutritious

Quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (about 70% or more) is loaded with nutrients such as soluble fibre, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese and a few other minerals. As a bonus, dark chocolate has mostly good fats and moderate amounts of sugar, and the caffeine levels are small.

2.     Chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants

Foods such as blueberries and acai berries are often celebrated for their high levels of antioxidants, but studies have found that, in fact, cocoa has more antioxidant activity than both these fruits. Put simply, a few squares a day can help keep the doctor away.

3.     It can lower blood pressure

Life can be stressful – that is, when you’re not holidaying in the South-West! The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries, helping to reduce your blood pressure.

4.     It can lower cholesterol

Studies have shown that consuming chocolate can help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol. In one study, cocoa powder not only reduced oxidised LDL cholesterol in men but also increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol.

5.      Reduces heart disease

It turns out that people who regularly consume dark chocolate lower their risk of developing heart disease. By helping to guard against the oxidation of LDL, it ensures that less cholesterol lodges in the arteries, which lowers the heart disease risk.

6.     Protects against sun damage

Studies show that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage. With summer days at the beach or poolside at your Private Properties holiday home soon upon us, this can only be good news.

7.     Improves cognitive function

Still need convincing? How about chocolate is good for your brain? It’s all about the flavanol in cocoa improving blood flow to the brain, while stimulants such as caffeine and theobromine also help short-term brain function.

Bahen & Co – beautifully packaged and ready to indulge!

So now you have permission to satisfy your inner chocoholic, you may like to also try the following:

• The Gabriel Chocolate dark chocolate range, starting from 58% dark Ecuador to the award-winning Venezuelan Chuao 99% dark chocolate.
  Visit Gabriel Chocolate at 14/5 Quininup Road, Yallingup.
• Margaret River Chocolate Factory’s 70% cocoa dark chocolate range. Visit the factory at 415 Harman’s Mill Road, Metricup.

Keen to experience South-West chocolate firsthand? We have luxury holiday homes throughout the region. Browse our portfolio to find the perfect home for your next foodie escape.

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